2012 NFL Draft: What Can Eagles Fans Expect from Fletcher Cox in 2012?

The Philadelphia Eagles traded up three spots with the Seattle Seahawks to take Fletcher Cox of Mississippi State University. Cox is a versatile defensive tackle who can also play end in a 4-3. He is a disruptive pass rusher, good against the run and will fit tremendously in the Eagles’ wide-nine defense.

Cox joins a defensive tackle rotation that already includes Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Derek Landri and Antonio Dixon. Andy Reid loves his defensive linemen, and he got a pretty good player in Cox. Cox was mocked as high as sixth overall to the St. Louis Rams in some drafts, and the Eagles got a great value at No. 12 overall.

Cox will probably play sparingly in 2012. Brodrick Bunkley was the last defensive tackle the Eagles picked in the first round, and he saw very little time on the field in his rookie campaign of 2006. Then again, Cox is a more talented player, and he offers the ability to excel in Jim Washburn’s wide-nine defense. Washburn has raved about Cox, and perhaps no player coming out of college football fit Washburn’s defense better than Cox.

Cox probably won’t win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, but he should be a promising part of the defensive line rotation for the next decade or more, and he’s just the player the Eagles need in a division that now includes Robert Griffin III in addition to Tony Romo and Eli Manning.